Gigabyte MA790X-UD4P

Along with AMD's launch of the Phenom II and Athlon II processor families this year, we've also witnessed a steady shift in focus from their AM2+/DDR2 platform to a full AM3/DDR3 platform. The good news is that these newer AM3 processors support both DDR2 and DDR3 memory, allowing consumers to upgrade without replacing their whole system. Still, that leaves many wondering if they're missing out by not making the jump to DDR3 memory. To help answer that question, today Benchmark Reviews puts Gigabyte's DDR2-based MA790X-UD4P motherboard to the test.

The Gigabyte MA790X-UD4P was one of the first motherboards to provide support for all AM2, AM2+, and AM3 processors. To maintain that kind of compatibility, though, they had to stick with DDR2 memory. On the plus side, Gigabyte cites support for up to DDR2-1333 MHz, a speed equal to that of many DDR3 modules. Follow that up with AMD's 790X chipset, ATI Crossfire support, 8+2 phase power design, and Gigabyte's Ultra Durable 3 construction and it would appear we have quite a capable motherboard on our hands.

With this kind of feature set and a price tag of only $110, the Gigabyte MA790X-UD4P is well-positioned among the AMD 790 series motherboards on the market. In today's review, we'll take a closer look at these features as well as run the MA790X-UD4P through our usual benchmarks. The comparison motherboards for today will be the DDR3-based ASUS M4A79T Deluxe, and another DDR2-based motherboard: the ASUS M3A78-EM. This should make for some interesting results.

About Gigabyte United Inc. (G.B.T. Inc. USA)

Gigabyte United Inc., established in December 2006, is assuming the GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co., Ltd. Brand, which for the past 20 years has been a world-renowned leader in the motherboard industry. Continuing to focus on its core businesses of GIGABYTE branded motherboards and graphics cards, Gigabyte United Inc. is committed to providing our valued customers with the highest quality products and services featuring the industry's most innovative design.

In order to meet the challenges of today's intensely competitive channel market, Gigabyte United Inc. fully utilizes its key assets including its cutting-edge research and development team as well as its professional sales and marketing resources to continue to develop technologies to fit a complete range of digital life solutions. Now and for the future, Gigabyte United Inc. will continue to embody the unique spirit and culture, which has made Gigabyte one of the foremost brands in the industry.

More information about Gigabyte is available by visiting their website.